Pisgah open for skiing but not Big Tupper

December 26, 2013

Mount Pisgah in Saranac Lake is open to skiing and snowboarding, but the Big Tupper Ski Area in Tupper Lake doesn't have enough snow yet to open.

Big Tupper officials had hoped to hold a soft opening last weekend with just the Mitey Mite rope tow running, for free. But ice and warm weather ruined those plans. Big Tupper doesn't have artificial snowmaking.

"Time to THINK SNOW," was posted Saturday on the Ski Big Tupper Facebook page. "Unfortunately, all of the rain yesterday & last night has washed away much of the snow at Big Tupper. The opening planned for this weekend will have to be postponed."

Mount Pisgah opened Saturday and will have one trail open for skiing and boarding every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until school is back in session, Manager Garrett Foster told the Enterprise this morning. He said the mountain's tubing area isn't open yet.

The mountain's snowmaking efforts paid off. Foster said he didn't have much of a problem with snow melting, despite rain and warm temperatures over the last week.

"We made a lot of snow and have a pretty good base on the one side," Foster said. "With a little bit more snowmaking, we'll be able to open the other side of the hill and the tubing as well - hopefully next week."

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Foster said below-zero weather predicted for next week will help his efforts along.

Once school starts again Jan. 6, Pisgah will be open its regular hours: Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.